Luke 7: 18 – 35
Doubt
18 Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things. 19 And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” 20 When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’” 21 And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. 22 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” 24 When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written: ‘ Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ 28 For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him. 31 And the Lord said, “To what then shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; We mourned to you, and you did not weep.’ 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 But wisdom is justified by all her children.”
We see this incident also described in the Gospel of Matthew. So, let us see if there is any other information that will help our understanding.
Matthew 11, “And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 3 and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” 4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” 7 As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written.”
They are both pretty much the same but we will comment in a moment on the slight additional information that Luke gives us.
While I have been reviewing the Gospel of Luke, I have also been studying the book of Judges in the Old Testament. Many of you, if not all, are familiar with chapter 7 which covers the life of Gideon. What stick’s out so providently is Gideon’s doubts about God.
If you remember he was hiding out in a wine press threshing wheat because of fear of the Midianites who for 7 years would sweep into the land of Israel, raping, plundering, and destroying both the land and anyone they came in contact with. As he was chocking on the wheat dust, Gideon was confused. If Yahweh was their God how come He would allow such devastation to happen to His people?
You would think that Gideon’s doubts would cease after our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ showed up personally and spoke with him. Our Adoni Yeshua would use Gideon to wipe out the Midianites. However, we are blessed to know the full story.
After the Lord encouraged the men of Israel to come to Gideon and be willing to fight for freedom, Gideon started getting doubts whether it really was real and that he would be successful so as you know the story, he twice asked God for a sign to prove he would be victorious.
When you read chapter 8 you find out that the Lord still knew Gideon had doubts even though he didn’t ask God for another sign again. So, God helped out this man by telling him to sneak down into the enemy’s camp. Gideon heard the enemy talking to one another and found out how scared they were of the Israelites. This finally persuaded Gideon to lead God’s people to victory.
In today’s study we are going to see that even John the Baptist doubted. In his defense however, this doubt never reflected in his knowledge that his half cousin wasn’t the Messiah. We will see this truth revealed shortly.
18 Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things. 19 And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” 20 When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’” 21 And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. 22 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”
John the Baptist had been arrested because he spoke out against Herod who had taken his brother’s wife. In the Gospel of Matthew chapter 14 we find this information, “ 1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus 2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” 3 For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. 4 Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.”
In prison John was visited by some of his faithful followers who gave him an update on what our Lord Jesus Christ was doing – ‘18 Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things.’
So, we now come across an unusual action initiated by John – ‘19 And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” 20 When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’”
Was John starting to go crazy from being in prison? Was he now doubting that he had professed the wrong One as God’s Anointed – The Promised Messiah? He had testified that God the Father had told him who the Messiah would be and it was his responsibility to tell everyone possible. In the Gospel of John we read about this in chapter 1, “29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ 31 I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.” 32 And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. 33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”
So, what happened? We find the answer to this question actually here in the Gospel of Luke just a few chapters back. You see, just like the Jews today, John was confused about the role of the Messiah. Some thought that there were two Messiah’s, one a suffering servant and the other a conquering King. Some believe even today that the Messiah will do both, that is being Merciful and also One Who will Judge the World.
What was John’s question to our Lord Jesus? - Are you the One or do we look for Another? You see, John still believed that Jesus was the Messiah. He was confused because he was teaching that the Messiah as the conquering king. The word ‘Another’ means of the same kind?
John was wondering if he is the one mixed up since his view of the Messiah was the One Who is going to settle all accounts. What John didn’t know is that the Lord came to settle the most important account and that was regarding the separation of man from God. This would be made whole again by His Sacrifice on the cross.
You see John was preaching this as we read in chapter 3, “7 Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 9 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Notice his words again, ‘who warned you to flee from the wrath to come’, ‘even now the ax is laid to the root.’ Can you see through John’s words his viewpoint.
John was confused because the reports he received about our Lord Jesus did not match his understanding about the Messiah. His doubts were natural and please notice the Lord did not stop and say anything against John for his question. Instead Jesus responded by example. Look at what He did again – ‘21 And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight.’
You see our Lord plainly explained the role of His Anointed through the prophet Isaiah. He listed the Messiah’s acts;
Isaiah 35, “5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.’
Our Lord was doing the Merciful Acts exactly what was predicted. After doing these then He addressed John’s disciples – ‘22 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.’
Then our Lord said these impacting words for all our benefits – ‘23 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”
Our Precious Master does not mind us asking questions. He Is Big enough to handle our doubts. I cling to these amazing verses as recorded in chapter 55 in the book of Isaiah, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. 9 “ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’
I suggest that you do the following things regarding any questions you have.
1. Write the question down
2. Pray and ask God to give you the answer.
3. Write down His answer and the date.
4. Refer to this list often to see God’s work in your life.
24 When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written: ‘ Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ 28 For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him. 31 And the Lord said, “To what then shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not weep.’ 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 But wisdom is justified by all her children.”
After John’s disciples had left the Lord addressed the crowd. He asked them to stop and think about John - “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written: ‘ Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ 28 For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
What was the reason that people went all the way out to the river Jordan to see and hear John preach? Did they go out to see some man who fails in his faith, ie. Someone shaken when the winds of doubt come? Our Lord asked them to examine their reasons. Did they go to see some ‘rock start’ in fancy clothes?
No, they went out to see someone who had a special message. John was someone who everyone was identifying as a prophet.
Our Lord acknowledges that John was a prophet but then says to the crowds before Him that everyone there is greater than John. Wow!
Our Lord explained that out of all His prophets no one fulfilled his duty and purpose better than John. Yet in God’s kingdom all who come to Jesus have a greater spiritual heritage because they have clearer knowledge of the purpose of our Precious Lord and Savior’s death and Resurrection.
John was the last Old Testament prophet. Our Lord Messiah was not contrasting John with individual Christians. He was contrasting life before the cross and life in the fullness of Jesus Christ.
You ‘justify’ God by believing in what He has said about His Holy Son -29 And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John.
You reject God’s will then by thinking that your own way and righteousness will be sufficient for God - 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.
The religious leaders, pretending to be holy, righteous, and pious, were in reality, just playing games. They were like children in that they complained no matter what act of kindness or attention was directed their way - 31 And the Lord said, “To what then shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not weep.’
The religious establishment criticized John for being an eccentric who was out of his mind for the way he dressed and acted. Then they complained just the opposite about the Lord Jesus for being too much friends with the un-desirable - 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’
The Pharisees were good at justifying their own behavior and so called ‘wisdom’. 35 But wisdom is justified by all her children.”
Most of us can find compelling reasons to justify our beliefs. What really matters those is what God says. So, what is your position? Who will you follow? Think deeply on this for your eternal destination hangs in the balance.
